The Nan Tien Temple, sitting high on the hill in Berkeley (just south of town), is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. A sense of peace can be found by taking a day trip, while weekend meditation retreats offer the chance to achieve true zen.

Getting to Wollongong from Sydney takes a little over 90 minutes by train. A free shuttle bus runs from station to the major hubs, including the University and TAFE campuses, the centre of the city and, most importantly, the beaches. For those on two wheels, the city is trialling a series of new cycleways to help facilitate cycling.

According to Realestate.com.au, the median house price in Wollongong is a little over $800,000, while units are sitting at about $565,500. With the median house price in Sydney sitting at a cool $1.03 million, it makes the 2500 postcode a desirable choice in the property buying matrix. Check out NAB’s Property Report to learn more, then use its Handy Home Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow. Or, book an appointment here.

The city has transformed its image in recent years, with the local hospitality industry reaching new heights. At the heart of this renaissance is the city’s thriving small bar scene and you can find gems, like Black Cockatoo and Births and Deaths, on the main thoroughfare or hidden down The Gong’s myriad laneways.